This season’s LFHS Girls’ track team has named eight athletes as captains: Ava Fox, Stella Fox, Ameena Alsikafi, Lucy Schlachtenhaufen, Sophia Lane, Emily Witte, Paige Gibbons, and Elise Raffiani. These seven are not just exemplary athletes, but also true leaders who guide their team through the spirit of determination, sportsmanship, and teamwork. Their impact extends far past the track and will continue to leave a legacy for future LFHS track athletes.
Ava Fox
Events: Triple Jump, Discus, 4x100m
Athletic Achievements:
- 2024 All-County Triple Jump
- 2024 All-Conference Triple Jump
Senior Ava Fox’s determination serves as an example for her teammates. With her track career starting only sophomore year, Fox has made incredible strides and has led her relay to several pivotal wins. Her presence on the track is not just about winning races but also about empowering others to do the same.
Paige Gibbons
Events: Mile, 2 Mile, 4x800m, 4x400m, 800m
Senior Paige Gibbons exhibits all the best qualities of a captain. Hardworking, determined, and successful are just a few of Gibbons’ characteristics. Gibbons is devoted to making sure every member of the team feels valued and empowered to strive for excellence.
Stella Fox
Events: Discus, Long Jump, 100m Hurdles, 300m Hurdles
Athletic Achievements:
- 2024 Indoor Conference 100m Hurdles
With her empowering mindset, senior Stella Fox excels at uniting her team into a competitive front. “We organized groups of people,” said Fox. “We have ‘sisters’, and we write notes and bring snacks. It’s nice to know that you have someone cheering for you, and doing this gives our teammates encouragement to do their best.” Fox is admired among the team for her ability to foster teamwork and camaraderie.
Ameena Alsikafi
Events: Shot Put, 100m
Athletic Achievements:
- 2024 All-Conference Shot Put
“Ameena makes an effort to get to know every member of the team,” says senior, former track athlete Caroline Gerber. “She always welcomes new runners and cheers for everyone.” Alsikafi is a four-year track athlete for LFHS and has no doubt made a lasting impression in each of those four years.
Emily Witte
Events: 4x800m, 4x400m, 400m
Athletic Achievements:
- 2024 All-County 4x800m
- 2024 All-County 4x200m
- 2024 All-County Open 400m
- 2024 State Qualifier
Junior Emily Witte may be younger than the other captains, but what she lacks in age she makes up for in leadership. “Emily has a super positive attitude, and will always take one for the team,” says relay teammate Izzy Marsico. The team can always count on Witte for encouragement and to embody true sportsmanship.
Sophia Lane
Grade: Senior
Events: 4x800m, 4x400m, 800m
Athletic Achievements:
- 2024 All-County 4x800m
- 2024 All-County Open 400m
- 2024 All-County Open 800m
- 2024 State Qualifier
Whether it’s offering words of encouragement during workouts or motivating her teammates, Sophia Lane goes above and beyond to ensure that her teammates are motivated to succeed. “She is very hardworking and inspirational,” says senior track athlete Kate Fitzgerald. “She is essential to our team.” Lane has had immense success in track in past years and serves as a role model to her peers.
Elise Raffiani
Grade: Senior
Events: Triple Jump, Long Jump, Pole Vault
Athletic Achievements:
- 2024 All-Conference Triple Jump
- 2024 All-Conference Pole Vault
- 2024 All-Conference Long Jump
- 2024 Sportsmanship Award
Elise Raffiani’s leadership extends far past her performance on the track. She helps create an inclusive team environment where everyone feels welcome, included, and like they can succeed. “Elise looks out for her teammates,” says captain Sophia Lane. Raffiani makes the effort so that every track athlete feels that they can achieve their personal best.
Lucy Schlachtenhaufen
Events: 4x800m, 4x400m, 1600m
Athletic Achievements:
- 2024 All-County 4x800m
- 2024 State Qualifier 4x800m
Lucy Schlachtenhaufen will take her running talent to Richmond University this fall, but before then, she will set an influential example for the runners to come after her at LFHS. In her four years of track, Schlachtenhaufen has represented dedication and passion. “Lucy always works hard both in and out of school,” says captain Stella Fox.
As track season comes to a close, the captain’s dedication serves as an example for their teammates, providing them with the inspiration to succeed. Recently, the Girls’ Track Team took home 1st place at the Glenbrook North Relay Meet.
